sweet99

Many know I have been trying to get my '99 GT Convertible with an automatic to get the passport timer to read a 13. I started with a best stock of 14.42. First added 4.10's and a predator tune that did not really add much at all due to the rest being stock. I did add a set of bullitt wheels, 17"x9" & 10.5" with 275/40's and 315/35's for looks and traction with the 4.10's. Next was a PYPES catted x-pipe and catback that gave about a tenth. I deceided to change the plugs and put in NGK platinums and surprisingly these turned out to be the best mod to that point netting a 14.17! Of course temps and weather conditions changed over the course of these mods. Then I went with a JLT CAI which dropped the time to a 14.02 and added .9 mph. So close but still not there. Then I learned of a timing adjuster made by Steeda. I found one in the classifieds and made the purchase and deceided to do the UDP's at the same time. Made the changes and added 7* to set the base timing at 17*. Still no 13. After consulting Brent at Brenspeed I took out the 10% I had added to the tune above 4k, timing wise. Nope. Then another 20% was removed above 4k rpm and a 13.95 was netted at 100.7mph. 0-60 was lowered from the previous best of 5.55 to a 5.42. Not bad for a NA 281 c.i. motor in a 3350lb. car with an automatic. I still can change the TB/plenum and after I sell the Predator I will get an SCT with a custom tune from Brenspeed and possibly hit a 13.75, that would be nice. Thanks to all, Mark

97 5.0L

congrats man!! Next you should get some drag radials and get that 60' time under 2 seconds and you should see at least mid 13's

sweet99

There is more to be had for sure. I cannot launch with any type of power launch as it would fry the 315's. I just turn off the traaction control and punch it and get about a 3' spin and it hooks and go's with 60' in the 2.15 range. Not really looking for a track time but looking for more engine power for street action. I plan to enjoy the next couple of months driving it before it's storage for winter. I just got the car in the spring and it's a great car, runs like a top and being a drop top a lot of fun. Just 56k miles on a '99 so plenty left. mark

JonBeast

Are you actually running at a track? You said a passport timer?

4.698GT

Yea, what is a passport Timer

Matts00GT

Then all you have to do is go to a REAL track and get REAL times.

NaplesFL11GT

Put a good torque converter on that baby and you will see an easy mid 13, maybe even possibly a low 13.

sweet99

That's right, I use a passport timer. Back country road, same one each time to try to keep the conditions the same. First these have been tested by many mags and are found to be quite accurate. The passport is off by .2 on the quick side. I make my runs with a friend watching the passport who adds 200lbs. to me car for a total weight of 3750 if the registration is correct at 3350 for the convertible/automatic. Even's it out. Remember I am using the timer as a yardstick to measure my mods and tuning asap. I am not actually interested in 1/4 mile times but HP gains. the 50-100mph time is what I care about but there is no way to measure that. I don't have a dyno either.
On a personal note I have had 3 back surgeries and after breaking my back the second surgery, where they went in through the back and front, they used cadaver bones and a few screws to hold me together. A Morphine pump was added back in '03 and is maxed out feeding my spine the drug 24/7. I have Methadone and Dilaudid along with Valium and a couple of other lesser known drugs keeping me going. I would have a difficult time driving the 45+ minutes each way to the closest track and they don't run test and tune for street cars very often.
Now back to the timer. It's 100% accurate for speed, within hundredth's. Just using it as some guide I have taken off .5 and added 4.7 mph to what it reads. I also use a passport radar detector, that works well also. I know I can't convince anyone that my testing is accurate for what I am trying to accomplish. Sorry. As in some other threads it is not 1/4 mile that I am interested in. Don't get to the track very often, '79 was the last time I raced. Although I don't condone street racing if anyone thinks their car is around 14 flat and is able to drive to Auburn, NY I will line up with you. By the way Jon you had the timing adjuster set on 16* with stock being 10*. It still works well with 93 octane though, no knock. Great mod and only n$139. new I highlly recommend it but take away timing up top as motors don't like a lot of timing at highr rpm's. mark

sweet99

It's a device that measures several parameters using electronics. It's a box that attaches to your windshield and is powered by the cig lighter port. Ever heard of a G-tech? Same principals. mark

sweet99

Hey Matt have you ever noticed not many sigs have REAL times/traps listed from REAL tracks? How about your best time? What track do you run at? Each track does run different just like each dyno lists ifferent HP results. Even dyno's are only expensive tuning devices, not an accurate measurement of the vehicles actual HP/torque. In fact a dyno isn't capable of measuring HP. They measure Torque and then use calculations to estimate the HP. Did you know a motor will make the same HP number and torque number at 5252 rpm's because 5252 is part of the formula used to estimate the HP? Just an FYI for auto trivia. mark